Farm Expo opens Thursday

Wednesday

Dec 5, 2012 at 4:00 PM

A new agriculture event will come to the area Dec. 6-8.

By Jon ZirkleMSU Extension

A new agriculture event will come to the area Dec. 6-8.

The Midwest Farm Expo & Auction, three-day event at the Michiana Event Center in Howe, Ind., offers something for everyone. It will feature a large expo of farm equipment displays, and an auction at 9 a.m. Saturday.

On Thursday, from 9-11 a.m., I will give a talk, “Creatively Managing for Quantity and Quality in a Tough Year.”

Thursday is “Dairy Day,” offering other dairy-related talks as well.

On Friday, from 9-11 a.m., Bruce MacKellar and I will share a two-hour program with Purdue Extension’s Steve Engleking, discussing pesticide safety, well-head protection, herbicide carryover, management considerations for winter annual weeds in spring of 2013, and tips for those spraying fields near organic farms. Two RUP credits will be offered to those with Michigan pesticide applicator licences, and Indiana attendees can receive credits through Purdue.

Other programs will be offered on Friday , including a presentation on irrigation by educator Lyndon Kelley geared toward existing irrigators as well as growers considering an irrigation system for the first time.

For more information on these programs, visit www.midwestfarmexpo.com.

Jon Zirkle is a program instructor in agriculture and Agribusiness at St. Joseph County MSU Extension.